However Haye has firmly stated he WILL be back inside the ring to face the former WBC cruiserweight champion.

In a statement, he said: "I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling.

"Despite the recent injury rumours, I was in perfect condition with an incredibly strong training camp, currently weighing lighter than I have for more than five years, I couldn’t wait to get back in the ring. I was ready to rewrite the ending of the Haye Bellew saga.

"Unfortunately, after a freak accident during a stair conditioning session, which I’ve done with no incident hundreds of times, I lost my footing, slipped, so instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell, in doing so I somehow managed to damage my bicep in the process.

LATEST BOXING NEWS

'get in the bin'

David Haye told to quit boxing after pulling out of Tony Bellew rematch

DEFINITELY, MAY-BE

I SHOT THE MOB

OUT OF THE GAME

Darryll Williams announces shock retirement at 27-years-old

gimme moore

Who is Jamie Moore, when did he become Frampton's trainer, when did he retire?

"This afternoon I underwent a procedure to repair it, this was pretty straightforward and my doctor and physiotherapist have no doubt that not only will I make a full recovery but will be able to be back in the gym to start my arm rehabilitation in two weeks.

"I would like to apologise to Tony, his family and his training team, as well as all our fans who have been left disappointed.

"I’ve been solely focussed on this fight and it’s extremely frustrating that I couldn’t finish 2017 with just my ring performance doing the talking. I look forward to getting back to training and into the ring in early 2018 with excitement and determination."

Haye twice pulled out a mega-fight with Tyson Fury in 2013, and has been plagued by a number of injuries in the paid ranks.

4

The heavyweight rivals were due to face each other in the ring on December 17Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Bellew has expressed his devastation that the fight has had to be postponed, as he looked to force a stoppage on Haye after knocking him out in 11th round back in March.

The Bomber said: "I’m gutted that the rematch with David has been postponed, both for myself but more for the fans.

"I’ve had a tough camp with a lot going on in my life but was ready to repeat my win from March.

"I’ll get over this disappointment over Christmas with my family and will be straight back into camp for a new date, it’s a big disappointment but as always I leave my career in the hands of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing who will get me back in there ASAP."

Tyson Fury trains in the ring as he seeks full fitness for possible 2018 fights

MOST READ IN SPORT

Live Blog

FIGHT NIGHT LIVE

Fury vs Wallin LIVE RESULT: Bloody Fury WINS Vegas battle by decision

Exclusive

LAID IN CHELSEA

Chelsea stars had flat for mistresses but Abbey Clancy wears the trousers

STITCH HIM UP

Fury rushed to hospital with two horrific cuts as dad John fears for career

MY SECRET TORTURE

Rugby legend Gareth Thomas reveals he has HIV and it left him suicidal

'WORST I'VE SEEN HIM'

Fury's dad John demands trainer is SACKED after worrying Wallin fight

FURY SURVIVES

Bloodied Fury beats tough Wallin on points before being rushed to hospital